As a Knight Templar Mason, one has many opportunities to help others who are less fortunate. One way is through the Knights Templar Eye Foundation. The Eye Foundation is a great humanitarian charity whose purpose is to provide research, surgical treatment and hospitalization to those who suffer from diseases or injury to the eyes. Cross-eyes, which occurs in children under 16 for example, is one affliction that can lead to blindness if not treated properly and is just one of the eye afflictions for which the Foundation provides considerable research and treatment funding.

Concern For Others

Since its inception in 1956, the Knights Templar Eye Foundation has spent more than $89,000,000 ($89 million) dollars to help those who could not afford eye surgery. Today, over 75,000 people have benefited from this financial assistance. More than $8,000,000 has been given to research. And as always, treatments are provided regardless of race, color, creed, age, national origin OR Masonic membership.

The Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc. is a partner with EyeCare America Seniors EyeCare Program to which KTEF gives financial support and enables them to help more people in need. EyeCare America can be reached at the toll free number 877-887-6327
and should be called before any surgery is performed. Any Sir Knight calling EyeCare America should identify himself as a K.T. and the proper forms will be sent to him.

The foundation has moved from Chicago, Illinois to Schaumburg, Illinois:

            Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc.
            1000 East State Parkway, Suite I
            Schaumburg, IL 60173
            Phone: (847) 490-3838
            Fax: (847) 490-3777
            or by e-mail to ktefofc@ix.netcom.com

Please note that the Suite number is a capital I and not the number1 - the Foundation had a problem with this and the United States Postal Service when they moved.

You can visit their web site at http://www.knightstemplar.org/ktef/index.htm to read much, much more about this wonderful charity.

August 2002 and August 2005: Thanks and a Tip of the Master's Hat to Bro. Bill Orr, KYCH, Past Commander-Wichita Falls Commandery #59 KT, Wichita Falls, Texas for providing us with some updated figures for this outstanding charity.